India-Germany Prepare for Strategic Summit: Talks Focus on Bilateral Relations
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in pivotal discussions on Monday with Germany’s State Secretary of the Foreign Office, Thomas Bagger, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties ahead of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s anticipated visit to India in October.
During his visit, Thomas Bagger also held meetings with NSA Ajit Doval and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, alongside co-chairing foreign office consultations with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
The primary agenda of the discussions centered on preparations for the seventh India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), scheduled to take place later this year. Both sides expressed optimism and emphasized the progress made in the strategic partnership between India and Germany.
“Good to meet Dr. Thomas Bagger, State Secretary in German Federal Foreign Office. Noted the progress made in the India-Germany strategic partnership,” External Affairs Minister Jaishankar remarked.
The foreign office consultations encompassed a comprehensive review of various facets of the India-Germany bilateral relationship, encompassing trade, investment, defense, development cooperation, and cultural exchanges. Both nations reiterated their commitment to enhancing ties across emerging technologies, digital platforms, renewable energy, and the green economy, while extending development cooperation to third countries.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), discussions between Foreign Secretary Misri and State Secretary Bagger also delved into key regional and global issues of mutual interest.
“The discussions provided an opportunity for both sides to take stock of the current status of bilateral relations and explore avenues for further deepening the India-Germany strategic partnership,” the MEA stated.
The upcoming seventh India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations, set to be chaired by the leaders of both nations in New Delhi this October, were highlighted as pivotal to advancing mutual goals and collaboration. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Businesses scheduled in conjunction with the IGC was anticipated to foster increased business collaboration between the two countries.
Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the consultations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors in the lead-up to the upcoming summit.
As preparations continue for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit, India and Germany are poised to strengthen their strategic partnership, marking significant advancements in bilateral relations.
